Hanna Woldu
Host Home Provider
19 Years as a DSP
For nineteen years, Hanna Woldu has built her career as a Host Home Provider on a single, unwavering commitment: putting the people she supports first. She has developed deep, trusting relationships with each of her individuals, empowering them to speak up about their own wants and needs and encouraging them to get out into the community and try new things — always with the goal of helping them make their own choices and live their happiest lives.
That attentiveness shows most clearly in Hanna’s response to a crisis. When one of her individuals experienced a sudden change in their health, Hanna noticed right away, worked with the person’s full care team to get them seen by medical providers on multiple occasions, and helped find a new primary care physician when the previous one couldn’t respond in time. She has continued checking in daily since, coming up with new ideas to help the individual return to baseline health.
Hanna is also a steady advocate, encouraging her individuals to speak up at meetings and doctor’s appointments, relaying their concerns clearly to providers, and following up until she is confident they are truly understood. This year, she has also played a key role in securing emergency respite for individuals in need, always making sure they felt welcomed and comfortable.
Nineteen years into her career, Hanna Woldu continues to show what person-centered care looks like in practice — patient, persistent, and rooted in genuine respect for the people she supports, making her a highly deserving nominee for Direct Service Professional of the Year.